Study finds Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) effective for managing Chronic non-cancer pain, depression, and physical functioning. Results favor Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Pain and Depression and Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) for physical functioning. MBIs were found to be superior to inactive controls and comparable to active controls. The optimal dose was found to be an eight week course of sessions lasting between 90 and 120 minutes.

Ancient Buddhist Mindfulness wisdom is translated into contemporary secular culture in ways that are authentic and accessible to all. Psychology and neuroscience researchers have descriptions of Mindfulness which can be operationalized for scientific quantification.

Another study supports the benefit of very brief mindfulness practices embedded in existing patient care activities. Very brief practices may overcome patient reluctance to commit to more time-consuming interventions which also require additional visits to a clinic setting. Embedding these practices in familiar care-routines may also overcome stereotypes about “meditation” and unfamiliarity with complementary treatments which may elicit resistance to engagement. The studies findings show that there are positive measurable effects of very brief interventions.

Experienced meditators who have completed Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) display increased reaction time and heightened EEG signals associated with mindfulness meditation in neurophysiological tests of attention, accuracy and reaction time.